HEAVENS, LEVELS AND GRADES
The concept of heaven in the Bible and Catholic teaching is rich and multifaceted. Let’s explore this topic in more depth, drawing from Scripture and tradition.
The Bible presents a nuanced view of heaven, with multiple layers of meaning. In Genesis 1:1, we read: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth.” This plural usage of “heavens” suggests a complexity to the concept. Catholic understanding, based on Scripture and tradition, recognizes three distinct “heavens”:
1. The atmospheric heaven: This is the sky where birds fly, and weather occurs. Psalm 104:12 refers to this when it says, “Beside them the birds of heaven nest; among the branches they sing.”
2. The celestial heaven: This is the realm of celestial bodies – sun, moon, and stars. Psalm 19:1 speaks of this heaven: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.”
3. The spiritual heaven: This is the dwelling place of God, also called “paradise” or the “heaven of heavens.” St. Paul alludes to this in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, describing being “caught up to the third heaven” where he heard “things that cannot be told.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church elaborates on the spiritual heaven, describing it as “the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ” (CCC 1024). It is not so much a physical place as a state of being in perfect communion with God.
Throughout Scripture, we find instances of the “heavens opening,” signifying moments of divine revelation or intervention. These include:
– At Jesus’ baptism: “The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him” (Mt 3:16).
– Stephen’s vision before his martyrdom: “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).
– Peter’s vision of unclean animals: “He saw the heavens opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners” (Acts 10:11).
These events symbolize God’s direct communication with humanity and the bridging of the divine and earthly realms.
Regarding degrees of glory in heaven, Catholic teaching, while not definitive, suggests that there may be different degrees of beatitude based on one’s merits in life. This is rooted in Scripture passages like Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.” However, it’s important to note that all in heaven experience perfect happiness and fulfillment in God’s presence.
As Christians, our ultimate goal should be to strive for heaven – not out of fear or for personal gain, but out of love for God and desire for union with Him. The Catechism reminds us that heaven is “the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness” (CCC 1024).
Let us live our lives with this eternal perspective, seeking to grow in holiness and love. As St. Paul exhorts us in Colossians 3:1-2: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
May we orient our lives towards heaven, not merely as a future destination, but as a present reality that begins here and now through our relationship with God and our love for one another.
REFLECTION
As we reflect on the profound mystery of heaven, let us remember that our journey towards eternal life begins here and now. By living according to Christ’s teachings, growing in faith, hope, and love, and embracing our Christian vocation with joy and perseverance, we can experience a foretaste of heaven on earth. Let us support one another in this journey, fostering communities of faith that reflect the love and communion of the heavenly kingdom. May our hearts always be directed towards our ultimate home with God, where we will experience the fullness of joy and peace in His presence.